Cubs wary of pushing Arrieta too hard

PHOENIX -- The Cubs decided to take a cautious approach with Jake Arrieta this spring and will continue that plan of attack to open the second half.

Arrieta (5-1, 1.95 ERA) will start on Sunday in the series finale against the Diamondbacks, rather than open the second half Friday. The right-hander had tightness in his shoulder this spring, and did not make his first start until May 3.

"In talking to [pitching coach Chris Bosio], he thought it was good to set Jake back a little bit," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. "We know he's come off the injury early in the season. he's been throwing very, very well. He said, 'You know, let's push him back and give him a little rest.' I thought it was a good idea."

Arrieta was the only Cubs starter who did not reach 100 innings in the first half.